In a bold move that’s turning heads across British Columbia, the small city of Grand Forks has taken matters into its own hands to tackle a crisis that’s all too familiar: the dire shortage of doctors in rural communities. Imagine a town where the local clinic is on the brink of collapse, leaving thousands without access to basic healthcare. That was the reality Grand Forks faced—until they decided to do something about it. But here’s where it gets controversial: the city is now using local tax dollars to cover the costs of running its medical clinic, a responsibility typically shouldered by the provincial government. Is this a desperate measure or a groundbreaking solution? Let’s dive in.
Grand Forks, nestled in B.C.’s West Kootenay region, has launched a one-year pilot program aimed at recruiting and retaining doctors by easing the financial burden of running a rural medical practice. The city has allocated $125,000 to cover fixed costs like rent, utilities, and licensing fees—expenses that don’t shrink when physician numbers do. This innovative approach comes as many B.C. communities grapple with gaping holes in primary care access, despite provincial efforts to connect patients with family doctors.
Why is this happening? Mayor Everett Baker puts it bluntly: ‘It shouldn’t fall to municipalities to have to do this, but unfortunately, in the situation we are in today, it does require it.’ Grand Forks, home to about 4,100 people, has seen several doctors leave in recent years, leaving the clinic teetering on the edge. Some remaining physicians are nearing retirement, and the financial strain of maintaining the clinic has made it a hard sell for new doctors.
Family physician Dr. Mark Szynkaruk, who partnered with the city on this initiative, highlights the harsh reality: ‘Whether there’s one physician working in a building or ten, rent, insurance, and utilities still have to be paid.’ For early-career doctors burdened by student debt, these fixed costs can be a deal-breaker. And the consequences of inaction? ‘Patients are suffering,’ Dr. Szynkaruk warns. ‘Morbidity and mortality are a direct result of poor access to primary care.’
But Grand Forks isn’t alone in its struggle. Across B.C., rural and remote communities face chronic challenges in recruiting and retaining doctors. Even larger municipalities like Colwood, near Victoria, have resorted to hiring doctors as municipal employees to fill the gap. A 2025 resolution from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities sounded the alarm, calling on the province to reassess its physician recruitment strategies, which critics say have exacerbated shortages in smaller towns.
And this is the part most people miss: While Grand Forks’ pilot program is showing early promise—with one new doctor already on board and two more considering the move—it’s a Band-Aid solution to a systemic problem. If successful, the clinic could support up to 7,500 patients, but what happens if the province doesn’t step up? Is it fair to expect municipalities to foot the bill for healthcare?
The program will be reviewed after one year, but Mayor Baker’s goal is clear: ‘If you’re a resident of Grand Forks, you will have a family doctor.’ Whether this model becomes a blueprint for other towns or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: Grand Forks is forcing a conversation about who’s responsible for ensuring access to healthcare—and whether local governments should have to fill the void.
What do you think? Is Grand Forks’ approach a necessary evil or a dangerous precedent? Should municipalities be forced to take on roles traditionally handled by provincial governments? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s far from over.
